We’re introducing you to some of our favourite places and people as we count down the days to ShowCanada…
Justin Chappelle grew up in Golden, BC, where the mountains sparked his love for food and the outdoors. He got his start in culinary at College of the Rockies, then apprenticed at the stunning Chateau Lake Louise and graduated from the program at Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. From there, he moved to Banff and joined the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs, where he met his wonderful wife, Marika, and has made the area home ever since.
How long have you lived in Banff/Alberta, and what brought you to the area?
I’ve been in the Bow Valley for 15 years. I grew up on the B.C. side of the Rockies, so this has always felt like home to me.
What do you like best about working/living in Banff?
The scenery, lifestyle, and seasonality. There is access to world class activities no matter the season. And you’re easily able to escape to find peace and quiet.
A friend lands in Banff with exactly 24 hours and zero agenda. Where are you taking them (i.e. hidden gems, fave attractions, fave local restaurants, etc.)?
There is too much to do in 24 hours!
It depends on the time of year, these are some places you can’t miss.
- Short hike up Mt. Tunnel for sunrise
- Take some photos at Cascade Garden
- Walk around Sundance canyon and Vermillion Lakes
- Check out Surprise corner, Hoodoos Viewpoint, and Mt. Norquay
- Visit the Waldhaus patio
- Pizza at Grapes + Za
- A trip along the 1A, stopping at view points
- If there’s still time, taking in Hector, Bow, and Peyto lakes
- Catch the Auroras at Lake Minnewanka
Where’s your favourite view that doesn’t make it onto postcards?
There is a pull-off on Johnston Lake Road where you can often find us soaking up nature with a fresh pastry.
Which celebrity do you think would fit best in Banff, and why?
Michael Bublé would fit perfectly in Banff. I can picture him by the fire pit singing holiday classics.
What film best captures the spirit of Banff for you, and why?
Into the Wild captures it pretty well. The wilderness, solitude, and stunning natural landscapes, these are things you can experience here every day.
Banquets can feel almost theatrical – what goes into creating that sense of occasion on the plate?
It’s all about precision on a large scale. We design every dish with high-volume service in mind, build plating systems that keep presentation consistent from the first plate to the last, and fine-tune timing with the service team to keep things flowing seamlessly. Our menus balance speed and visual appeal, so even when 400 plates leave the kitchen at once, the experience still feels effortless for the guest.
When you’re designing a milestone celebration at Fairmont Banff Springs, how does the history and setting of the “Castle in the Rockies” influence the menu?
We really take inspiration from the hotel’s history and the incredible setting. Some of our recent menus have been fresh takes on the classics, looking back at dishes that were served here long ago and finding ways to refresh them for today’s guests. And of course, with the Rockies right outside, there’s this huge sense of presence we have to live up to, so our food has to match that energy and the place itself.
The countdown to ShowCanada’s 40th anniversary edition is on…see you at the Fairmont Banff Springs where Chef Justin Chappelle promises fabulous food and guarantees you won’t leave hungry!